DEVELOPERS have insisted controversial plans to build homes on a 'wildlife haven' will cause 'minimal' damage.

Outraged residents have signed a petition against proposals to build 117 homes at the back of St Bernard's Preparatory School, in Hawtrey Close, Slough.

However developer, Linden Homes, said preserving wildlife was a major consideration in the planning application.

Tony Blackburn, Linden Homes' land director, said: "Linden Homes Chiltern commissioned a habitat survey report, as well as reptile mitigation method statement, tree potential survey for bats, landscape master plan, landscape management plan and tree protection plan.

"These reports, which have been included in Linden's planning application, set out how to ensure the development has the minimum impact on local wildlife.

"By following the steps set out in these reports, including retaining all trees with high bat-roosting potential, providing bat boxes, tree planting and sensitive vegetation clearance in the presence of an ecologist, the impact of the proposed development on wildlife will be minimal and in some cases may improve the position."

The 3.7-hectare site includes deer, stag-beetles and woodpeckers. More than 100 residents have signed the petition.

Cllr Diana Coad said: "We are all very concerned and upset about the plans - Langley is chaos already. It is so overdeveloped - residents will leave the area."

The plans would see 36 affordable and 81 open market houses built with 235 car parking spaces.

They are due to be discussed at a planning committee on September 5.